Baseball Second Baseman

The second baseman is the defensive player (specifically, an infielder) who covers the area of the field surrounding second base. Unlike the first baseman, the 2nd baseman usually does not stand right at second base. Rather, he occupies the area in between first base and second base (but slightly closer to second base).

Role and Responsibilities

In baseball, the second baseman has a number of responsibilities, including, but not limited to:

• Catching fly baseballs in shallow center field
• Turning double plays
• Covering second base to get base runners out
• Covering first base in some situations

Role in Centerfield

Since the second baseman occupies the middle of the infield, he is often at the center of the action (literally) when a baseball is hit into the field of play. Sometimes, this means that the second basemen must make plays in shallow center field on hits that the outfielders may not be able to reach. This requires keen positional awareness and good communication with outfielder.

Role on Double Plays

The second baseman is important in turning double plays, either serving as a middle-man in conventional double plays or starting them by fielding ground balls. Often, another defensive player will field the baseball, then throw it to the second baseman, who will touch second base to tag out a runner advancing from first to second.

He will then throw the baseball to the first baseman, who will touch first base to get the batter advancing to first out. If both the second baseman and the first baseman touch the base before each of the runners do, then both runners are simultaneously out. This is called a double play, and it frequently involves the second baseman.

Role Covering Second Base

Second basemen are tasked with covering second base on certain plays, such as stolen base attempts, double plays, and force plays at second. However, this is often a case-by-case responsibility. For example, second basemen typically cover second base when a base runner is stealing if the batter at the plate is right-handed, but may not when the batter is left-handed.

This is because lefties have a higher chance of hitting the ball to the second baseman’s side of the field. Meanwhile, the second basemen covers second base on force plays and double plays, in which the ball is hit to the left side of the infield, because it will be easier for them to receive a throw than the shortstop.

Role Covering First Base

Typically, second basemen must cover first base when the first baseman and pitcher both attempt to field a soft ground ball. Typically, when the first baseman crashes on a bunt or soft ground ball, it is the pitcher’s responsibility to cover first base, but second basemen must handle this when the pitcher also attempts to field the ball. This is an instance in which second basemen must put their quick reflexes and game IQ on display. If they fail to do so, the runner will end up being safe no matter how quickly the defense fields the ball.

Types of Second Basemen

While players with different skills can play at second base, the most common type of second baseman is a right-handed player. Ultimately, any second baseman must be able to create double plays and cover for other players on the bases.

Left-Handed Second Baseman

It is extremely rare for a second baseman to be left-handed. Their position on the field and the types of throws they make are much easier for right handed players. However, there have been a few left-handed second basemen in baseball history, including Sam McDowell, who played for the Cleveland Indians (now the Cleveland Guardians).

Right-Handed Second Baseman

Right-handed second basemen are much more common than lefties. They are able to pivot to turn double plays more easily because of the way their body faces when they throw.

Second Baseman Equipment

A second baseman’s equipment is very similar to most standard fielders, and includes a uniform, cleats, and a baseball glove. The second baseman will typically wear an infielder’s glove, as opposed to an outfielder’s glove. Infielder’s gloves are designed to be small but firm, so that the ball can be snagged and transferred to the throwing hand quickly.

Besides their infielder glove, second basemen need no additional equipment besides the baseball uniform of a hat, jersey, pants, belt, socks, and baseball cleats. Some players wear compression sleeves or protective gear to shield them from errant balls.

Second Baseman Strategy

The overarching defensive strategy for infielders, including second basemen, is to put oneself in the best position possible to field a ball put in play and record an out. If there are runners on base, the second baseman’s strategy typically revolves around keeping them from advancing, and especially from scoring. It is important as a second baseman to be alert and aware at the time of contact, which could happen on any pitch.

Second Baseman Positioning

Typically, the second baseman positions himself closer to second base than to first, because the first baseman (who usually stands a few yards from first base) is capable of defending some space in that area. Depending on what area they think the batter may be more likely to hit into, the second baseman may move left or right of the original positioning. 

Second Baseman Skills and Techniques

For balls hit on the ground, the most surefire technique is to get your glove out in front and your body behind it. It is easiest to field the ball on a short hop, close to the ground. It is also much easier to make a play from an athletic stance, with your bent knees and good balance. It is advantageous to advance at the ball in order to quickly field it and avoid bad bounces. If it is impossible to reach the ball without diving, it is most important to keep the ball in the infield by knocking it down with the glove or body.

To make a throw after fielding a ball whilst moving toward your target, it is important to be balanced, but to use that momentum to most efficiently deliver the throw. If the play is at a close-by base, an underhand flip is often used to make it easy to catch. In any other case, it is important to set the feet and, as quickly as possible, orient at the intended target, then fire the ball.

Hall of Fame MLB Second Basemen

The following lists some of the most famous second basemen of all time who have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame:

Top MLB Second Basemen

The following lists some of the top second basemen in Major League Baseball by team:

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